Dec. 4

The Dispatch December 4, 2020

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Two-Week Bike Events Discussed

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Assateague Alters OSV Fee Rates

Inlet Sunrise: Wednesday got off to a beautiful start at the Inlet with these sunrise scenes, looking south, above, and north.

Photos by Chris Parypa

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Two-Week Bike Event Concerns Resort Officials

December 4, 2020

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OCEAN CITY – While no decision was made, public safety officials seemed less than keen on expanding OC BikeFest to a 10-day, two-weekend event with the second weekend overlapping with the unsanctioned and unwelcomed pop-up car rally.

OC BikeFest promoter Chase Michael on Tuesday pitched the idea of an expanded Bike Week event in Ocean City next fall and in future years. Michael first pitched the idea to the Tourism Commission in November. The concept is for OC BikeFest to be expanded over 10 days with bookend weekends on either end including major performing artists, vendors and other activities for the roughly 150,000 attendees each year.

OC BikeFest, with its headliner concerts, is already on the map nationally, but Michael explained an expanded 10day event with major acts on the bookend weekends could elevate that status further, sort of a Sturgis meets Coachella festival of motorcycles, top music entertainment and vendors. The resort’s tourism commission has supported the concept.

However, choosing which weekend to add comes with its challenges. OC BikeFest is already scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 15 to Sunday, Sept. 19. One option is adding the weekend earlier, which would take the event from Wednesday, Sept. 8 to Sunday, Sept. 19.

The second option would run from the original Wednesday, Sept. 15 to Sunday, Sept. 26.

Each of the options comes with challenges. For that earlier weekend, the convention center, which hosts some of the major components of OC BikeFest including many of the vendors, already has a major event booked for that time period. In addition, adding a second biker weekend starting Sept. 8 would mean September has motorized special events on each weekend, a concept the Mayor and Council essentially put the kibosh on.

Adding that second weekend would put OC BikeFest smack dab on top of the unsanctioned and unwelcomed pop-up car rally the town has been battling in recent years. Michael said he was confident with the 150,000 attendee-mark expected to grow even larger with the expanded Bike Week event that his attendees would absorb the large majority of the resort’s hotel rooms and other accommodations, essentially pushing the pop-up car rally out.

Tourism commission members agreed that could happen. On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council agreed with that concept to a large degree, but voiced concern about the two events peacefully existing if the pop-up rally happens as expected SEE PAGE 6

December 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

… Should BikeFest, Pop-Up Rally Weeks Overlap?

Page 6

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

FROM PAGE 4 anyway. Michael said OC BikeFest has a proven track record in terms of filling up the resort’s hotel rooms.

“We’re basically at a sell out,” he said.

“There are roughly 11,000 hotel rooms on the island and we are at 98% capacity.

We can’t understate the importance of this event in keeping those occupancy rates high.”

Michael said OC BikeFest was flexible in terms of what second weekend was ultimately chosen.

“We would like to expand to a prior weekend or the following weekend,” he said. “We are flexible. There is obviously an event the weekend after ours, so we are open to both.”

Before the official event was postponed because of COVID, OC BikeFest was able to lock in an impressive enter-

tainment line-up, including Kid Rock, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Foghat, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Kix, Great White and Billy Idol, and many of those acts are committed to 2021.

With an expanded event over two weekends, along with an expanded budget, Michael said he was confident he could duplicate a similar line-up on the second weekend.

To that end, OC BikeFest is seeking a commitment of up to $250,000 annually from the town, which it will match dollar for dollar in order to secure top performing artists. The promoter is also seeking a four-year commitment from the town.

“We are asking for a $250,000 match,” he said. “It would go directly to the bands.

It would not go to us or be used for any purpose other than booking the major acts. We are asking for a longer-term

December 4, 2020

commitment. We understand the ask is quite large. It’s really just a fraction of what we spend.”

Michael said he understood the concerns with overlapping the pop-up event on that later weekend.

“If we look at the second weekend, we’re aware of the risk,” he said. “The security and safety of our attendees is our major concern. We work well with the police and that isn’t a concern. We are very aware of the concerns with both weekends.”

Michael explained another potential challenge with that later weekend is it would overlap with another major motorcycle event in Arkansas that same weekend, an event many of OC BikeFest’s vendors also attend. Councilman Mark Paddack said he was confident the attendees and vendors would prefer to re-

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main in Ocean City rather than make the 1,500-mile trek to Arkansas.

“I’m a huge advocate for this event,” he said. “Always have been and always will be. If I were going to a biker event, I would much rather be on the East Coast than the middle of Arkansas.”

However, Paddack voiced concern with overlapping with the pop-up event.

“On the flip side, when I look at the pop-up event, my biggest concern is our chief of police and his staff and the amount of resources for back-to-back weekends, knowing there is likely going to be pop-up event on that second weekend,” he said. “What I see is a mix of oil and water, the water being the mature responsible group and the oil being the immature and reckless other group.”

That oil and water analogy would come up throughout the discussion on Tuesday. However, Mayor Rick Meehan said his big concern with choosing that first weekend would practically make September a solid month of motorized event weekends.

“They are a great partner,” he said. “I do have some concerns about that first weekend. If you do that, almost every weekend in September would be a motor event weekend. That would be every single weekend in September with the exception of the first one and I don’t think I could support that.”

Meehan pointed out during the pop-up rally weekend, the town’s special event zone is in place with stronger enforcement, higher fines and stricter towing ordinances.

“That weekend after, we have a special event zone in Ocean City,” he said.

“Have you considered the impact of that on your group?”

Michael said he was keenly aware of the special event zone and its potential ramifications, but voiced little concern about its impact on his attendees.

“We’ve been made very aware of what goes on that weekend,” he said. “We know our attendees. They tend to ride during the day, and when the dinner hour rolls around and the concerts begin, they tend to put the bikes away and ride the bus or other modes of transportation. If you go out on the streets during the concerts, there is very little traffic.”

Councilman John Gehrig pointed out the town has made significant investments in music festivals in the past and voiced little concern about the fiscal ramifications.

“We’ve committed to music festivals before with mixed results,” he said. “This is a proven event with a great line-up already.”

However, Gehrig agreed with Meehan about the possibility of choosing that earlier weekend.

“I’m one of the biggest supporters of Bike Week,” he said. “I’m just not into adding another motor event weekend in September. The following week we would have that mix of oil and water.”

Michael said it appears some of the problems with the pop-up rally are the attendees don’t have organized events to attend and rather just ride up and down the highway. He said although the two SEE NEXT PAGE

… Police Chief: ‘We Can’t Assume One Event Will Wash Out The Other’

December 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

events could overlap, he expected some of the pop-up rally attendees would attend the concerts and other events associated with Bike Week.

“We are a sanctioned, well-organized event with concerts, vendors and a lot of activities,” he said. “When you have activities people can go to, you don’t have those idle hands situations. We believe some of their attendees will go to our concerts and other activities.”

Michael reiterated the OC BikeFest attendees would absorb much of the resort’s hotel room inventory and could eventually wear down the pop-up rally through attrition.

“About 80% of our attendees return year after year and the other 20% are newcomers to the event,” he said. “They will soak up those hotel rooms faster. We are confident our attendees will absorb much of the hotel room inventory and the other short-term accommodations.”

Gehrig said adding that later week for an expanded OC BikeFest was out-ofthe-box thinking, but it could provide a solution to the pop-up rally issue.

“There are a million reasons not to do this, but there might be one good reason to do it,” he said. “We have to have a good plan. The number we need to recognize is 98%. Basically, we’re sold out.

We need to plan for the worst from a public safety standpoint, but this provides a real opportunity to impact the ability to come to Ocean City.”

Gehrig said the alternative wasn’t working.

“Any solution to this can be painful,” he said. “We know the risk of doing nothing. We’re going to have to workshop the public safety issues. We have to go on offense. We can’t ask our law enforcement to keep playing defense.”

Council President Matt James said the only way it would be successful is if the BikeFest attendees absorb the hotel rooms as promised and went back to the oil and water analogy.

“We need the water to fill the room inventory so the oil doesn’t come,” he said.

“That second weekend would have to be really strong for this to work.”

Councilman Peter Buas agreed.

“We can’t enforce our way out of this issue,” he said. “This is going in a differ-

ent direction, but it can only work if they absorb the room inventory.”

When it came time for the law enforcement officials to weigh in, they appeared to be less than keen on the idea.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser voiced concern about having enough law enforcement resources available to handle the overlapping events.

“We have the already-challenging pop-up vehicle event, and ultimately last year, the council voted to move Sunfest for the very same reasons,” she said. “I have serious concerns law enforcement would have the resources they would need if these events are layered. We learned a lot from some of our successes and we’re building on that. I’d just hate to see that derailed.”

Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro voiced similar concerns.

“We have concerns,” he said. “First and foremost, I’m not sure about the idea of comingling motorcycles with the popup event. A biker’s worst fear is being around an erratic driver, and as we all know, we just don’t have one erratic driver.”

Buzzuro pointed out the largest law enforcement collection ever assembled in Ocean City was needed during September’s pop-up rally.

“The last pop-up event, we had the most law enforcement we have ever had in this town in its history,” he said. “Layering this event on top of that unsanctioned event would take a lot of resources and preparation. We can’t assume one event will wash out the other.”

Ocean City Fire Chief Richie Bowers also weighed in.

“I think the chief hit the nail on the head,” he said. “This would be very challenging and a lot of resources are going to be needed. It’s the unplanned event that really challenges us.”

For his part, James said the concept needed to be carefully vetted by the department heads and staff before any decision could be made about an expanded OC BikeFest.

“For this to be successful, we really need to believe the Bike Week folks soak up our room inventory,” he said. “I don’t think anybody wants these two events over top of each other.”

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Page 7

Worcester’s Drug Court Program Marks 15 Years

Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Worcester County’s drug treatment court program celebrates its 15th anniversary this month.

The program, designed to offer treatment to those committing crimes due to substance abuse, has played a key role in helping individuals achieve recovery in Worcester County.

“The program is of utmost importance because punishment alone does not remedy the issue of drug motivated crime,” said Tracy Simpson, the county’s drug court coordinator. “In order to create lasting change and provide the greatest chance at achieving recovery from a substance abuse disorder, intensive treatment is required.”

The Worcester County Drug Treatment Court (DTC) program was launched

in December 2005. Participants are given the chance to complete the program in lieu of a full period of incarceration. Simpson said after a jail sentence was imposed, the majority of the period of active incarceration is suspended if an individual enrolls in DTC. “The program is intended to identify those persons who are committing crimes due to a substance use disorder and offer intensive treatment and supervision to help break the cycle of addiction and related criminal behaviors,” Simpson said. “The program strives to balance the needs of public safety in our community with the treatment needs of the clients served. The goal is to help our participants transition their identity from one of a criminal defendant to that of a productive member of our community.”

She said DTC was meant for “high risk, high need” offenders.

“That means the average person who participates in the program has a moderate to severe substance use disorder and has a high risk to reoffend due to their addiction and past criminal history,” she said. “Often, they have failed to complete prior probationary periods successfully and have been in and out of treatment several times. Many of our program participants have strained family dynamics, due to their substance use, and need assistance with housing and employment upon program entry.”

The DTC program takes a minimum of a year to complete, though the average time to graduate from the program is 18 months. Throughout that period, participants are in behavioral health treatment and are required to provide biweekly random urinalysis. They’re also required to maintain employment, suitable housing, complete community service, attend bi-

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monthly review hearings with the DTC judge and participate in regular case management sessions. A whole team of people, including a judge, program coordinator, case manager, probation agent, assistant state’s attorney, defense counsel and treatment providers, is involved in the process.

“They assess the participants’ compliance with program rules as well as progress in treatment,” Simpson said. “Each DTC hearing offers the team an opportunity to provide incentives, sanctions, and therapeutic responses to help promote behavior change and recovery from their substance use disorder.”

While those involved in drug court receive national and state training, Simpson credits a local steering committee for evaluating the program here in Worcester and helping with program development.

“The real key to the success of a DTC program, and for its participants to find success, is in the partnerships held within the community,” she said. “In addition to those agencies noted as operational team members, the DTC program has forged close relationships with Diakonia, Maryland Coastal Bays, the Atlantic Club, Worcester Warriors Against Opiate Addiction, and Hope4Recovery. Working together with a host of resources provides for not just better program outcomes but also for investments in the success of the community at large.”

Though there have been as many as 85 in the program at once when the opioid epidemic was at its peak, some years there are as few as 30 people in the program. The program’s graduation rate is 55%.

“While opioids continue to be the primary substance of abuse identified by our participants, the courts are not as inundated as they were during the peak of the epidemic,” Simpson said.

Those who don’t complete the program face a violation of probation and are subject to whatever period of incarceration was suspended when they enrolled in the program.

So far, for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, the program has served 29 individuals. Those involved are hopeful it will continue to play in important role in the community.

“Our DTC program isn’t perfect; we wish we had more resources for our participants, and of course we wish COVID hadn’t taken the toll it did on in-person treatment and court appearances,” said Drug Treatment Court Judge M. Margaret “Peggy” Kent said. “That being said, we all believe that this program is a Worcester County addict’s best chance of achieving, and maintaining, sobriety.

Every single team member is invested in each participant, knows their needs, their weaknesses, their strengths, and their backgrounds. We believe that helps us provide the proper services, at the right time, for them. All of us are rooting for them. All of us celebrate their successes, and worry about their relapses. I’m immensely proud of our team members, especially Tracy, who has spear-headed this program from the start, and I am grateful to be part of a vibrant and forward-thinking program.”

CARES Funds Headed To Fire Companies

December 4, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners agreed to use the county’s remaining CARES funding to support local fire companies.

On Tuesday, the commissioners voted unanimously to set aside the $30,063 in remaining CARES Act funding for local fire companies. Commissioner Chip Bertino, however, pointed out that fire companies had to submit whatever paperwork was required to receive funding.

“It’s incumbent upon the fire companies to forward information to us for evaluation and assessment as to whether or not it can be approved,” Bertino said. “I just want to make sure that gets out there because it’s not on the commissioners’ office, it’s a two-way street.”

Chief Administrative Officer Harold Higgins provided the commissioners with a summary of how the county had spent its federal coronavirus relief funding. Funding was used to support libraries, municipalities, economic development, restaurants, the health department and the school system, among other things.

“The entire $4,560,879 will be spent by the federal deadline of December 30, 2020,” he said.

Bertino asked about how much funding had been used to give grants to local restaurants. Tom Perlozzo, the county’s director of recreation and parks, tour-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ism and economic development, said the county had disbursed $900,000 in grants to local restaurants in the past two weeks and hoped to give out more with the roughly $500,000 left for restaurants.

“We hope that we will exhaust those funds,” Perlozzo said.

Bertino also asked what the county would be able to do for volunteer fire companies. Higgins said some money had already been put toward equipment for the fire companies but said he was also researching payroll figures to determine whether money could be granted toward that expense.

Bertino stressed the importance of fire companies submitting the necessary documentation to Higgins’ office to justify any payroll reimbursements.

Weston Young, the county’s assistant chief administrative officer, said he had reached out to fire companies to try to set up a meeting with the commissioners to discuss their needs.

“As I said before, we need to err on the side of giving them the money as opposed to err on the side of not giving them the money when some of these discussions are had about what their needs are,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said.

Commissioner Jim Bunting suggested putting the last of the CARES Act funding “on hold” for the fire companies and made a motion to use the remaining $30,063 for the county’s fire companies.

The motion passed unanimously.

Page 9

Shore Gives More Campaign Beats Last Year By 24%

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – The annual 24-hour Shore Gives More campaign raised a record-breaking $269,627 for local nonprofits on Giving Tuesday.

Giving Tuesday, held each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is an international online giving movement.

The local campaign, hosted by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES), is known as the Shore Gives More and helps area nonprofits with fundraising.

“One thing that our community has made clear is that while 2020 has been vastly different, what hasn’t changed is the generous spirit of the holiday season,” said Erica Joseph, CFES president. “By joining together, gifts large and small alike truly make a difference.”

As it has in the past, CFES hosted this year’s Shore Gives More campaign and provided an online donation portal, marketing, and technical support. The campaign received sponsorships from 47 ABC and Shore Untied Bank, which increased the campaign presence, Joseph said.

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As a result, on Giving Tuesday a record $269,627 was raised for 100 local nonprofits.

“2020 has been hard on nonprofits with so many traditional fundraisers being canceled,” Joseph said. “At the same time, we have seen many organizations have to pivot their operations and take on additional costs. Each year the local community steps up and supports area nonprofits, but this year donors rallied with force.”

Among the top recipients in this year’s giving event were CFES, with $15,370 donated, Chesapeake Housing Mission, with $11,365 donated, and the Worcester County Education Foundation, with $10,670 donated. Wicomico Public Libraries received $10,025 while the Art League of Ocean City received $9,400.

In Berlin, the Berlin Heritage Foundation exceeded its goal of raising $1,500 and actually brought in $2,325 in donations. The funding will help the foundation upgrade exhibits at the Taylor House Museum, according to Melissa Reid, the museum’s president. Reid and the museum’s other volunteers want to pair items on display in the museum with oral histories—collected in the 1980s—that are tied to them.

“It’ll bring the exhibits to life,” Reid said.

She added that she was pleased to

December 4, 2020

see 20 unique donors supported the museum’s Giving Tuesday campaign.

“People in this community feel this is a place worth supporting,” she said.

“We’re really grateful for that.”

Lower Shore Land Trust campaigned for the most unique donors and earned a $1,000 bonus after securing 73 donations on Giving Tuesday.

“The Community Foundation is so committed to their nonprofit partners and they have done a fantastic job creating the ‘Shore Gives More’ unified effort for Giving Tuesday,” said Lower Shore Land Trust’s Kate Patton.

“This year was no exception. At a time when many nonprofits are struggling, the community really stepped up and showed such great support, raising more during this year than any previous year. We couldn’t be happier with the support we received for Giving Tuesday.”

The Shore Gives More was first launched as a Giving Tuesday campaign for the Lower Eastern Shore in 2015 and raised just under $5,000 in its first year. In 2019, the event raised a then-record $218.138, 28% more than 2018, with more than 2,200 donations.

This year’s total represented a 24% increase over what was donated last year.

For a complete list of participating nonprofits and the donations they received visit shoregivesmore.org.

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MANAGING EDITOR

SNOW HILL – An Ocean City man, who pleaded guilty in September to three counts of possession of child pornography following a months-long investigation dating back to 2017, was granted probation before judgment on Wednesday and will be on supervised probation for two years.

Jarrett John Wise, now 53, of Ocean City, was indicted last January by a Worcester County grand jury on five counts of felony distribution of child pornography and 50 total counts of misdemeanor possession of child pornography. In September, Wise pleaded guilty to three counts of misdemeanor possession of child pornography and sentencing was deferred upon the completion of a pre-sentence investigation.

Each of the misdemeanor counts to which Wise pleaded guilty carried maximum penalties of up to five years in prison or a $2,500 fine or both. Back in court in Snow Hill on Wednesday, Wise was granted probation before judgment on each count and was placed on supervised probation for two years.

The charges against Wise date back as early as October 2017 including the felony counts of distribution of photographs of a minor engaged in sexual conduct. The indictment also includes

December 4, 2020

50 counts of possession of photographs depicting an individual under age 16 engaged in sexual conduct, possession of videos depicting an individual under age 16 engaged in sexual conduct and possession of visual representations of an individual under the age of 16 engaged in sexual conduct.

In May 2019, the national Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program reportedly provided a tip to the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) about Wise’s alleged activities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reportedly received a similar tip and collaborated with local authorities on the investigation.

Investigators subpoenaed Wise’s computer records and discovered images and videos of child pornography.

In June 2019, investigators armed with a search warrant went to Wise’s resort residence and the suspect reportedly admitted to possessing child pornography.

As a result of the investigation, Wise was indicted by a Worcester County grand jury on 55 counts of possession and distribution of child pornography.

Wise was held initially without bond, but eventually released after posting a $25,000 bond.

Wise moved to Ocean City in 1991 and was a local law enforcement officer in Ocean City and Worcester for a combined 13 years. He was a Realtor for 18 years including seven years as Ocean City branch manager for a large firm.

Dorchester County State’s Attorney Bill Jones handled the prosecution from the beginning after Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser asked that he be appointed as special prosecutor. Because Wise was a local law enforcement officer for several years, Heiser requested Jones be appointed special prosecutor to avoid an appearance of conflict or impropriety in the case.

Jones said on Wednesday probation before judgment in the case was not his recommendation.

“I asked that the court impose a sentence, suspended down to what would constitute a time-served sentence, and impose probationary terms that would include treatment, and that he be required to register as a sex offender,” he said. “I believe that the suspended period of incarceration, supervised probation, treatment and sex offender registration were appropriate for the facts and circumstances.”

However, Jones said the court didn’t see it that way.

“I never recommended probation before judgment, but the defense asked for it and the court agreed,” he said. “Mr. Wise’s background and other information provided by the defense were the basis for the court’s decision. In the end, the court’s sentence was not what the state recommended, but is within the purview of the court.”

Teachers Lauded During Public School Budget Session

December 4, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

or push of iPads throughout the county and the virtual learning that has taken place during this pandemic we’ve had no choice but to make a monumental push forward with technology. Teachers and students have been impressive with the technology provided thus far and the sky is the limit as long as it’s supported in the future.”

Parents also advocated for continued after-school programs, particularly in the south end of the county, and for a few specific items, such as a new intercom system for Stephen Decatur High School.

Teacher Beth Shockley-Lynch, president of the Worcester County Teachers Association, spoke on behalf of her peers. She said they’d adapted over and over again as plans for schools had changed during the pandemic. Shockley-Lynch said teachers were working harder

Page 13

than ever before.

“This 2020 school year has added a significant amount of work to their already full plate,” she said. “The amount of time needed to prepare for virtual lessons is immense. It’s a totally different skill set to manage Zoom, screen sharing, monitor 25 little screens, checking to see who gets it, who doesn’t, not to mention the stress of ‘are these kids alright? Are they eating? Are they home alone?’ No matter what gets thrown at our teachers they never give up because they’re dedicated to the students of Worcester County.”

Shockley-Lynch said teachers were being asked to do more than they could handle but they kept trying.

“This dedication deserves being rewarded,” she said. “Our teachers deserve to advance on their salary scale and receive an appropriate cost of living. We will

never be able to afford to pay them for the unbelievable amount of time they have put in trying to accomplish the task of teaching virtually.”

Taylor said he appreciated everyone’s input and thanked those who participated in the meeting. He echoed ShockleyLynch’s praise of teachers and staff.

“I truly see how people are making a difference,” he said. “They’re making a difference for our young people, 6,800 kids that come, that we’re entrusted with, each and every day here in Worcester County public schools. I’m very, very excited to see them again soon. For some of our kids it’s been nine months. It’s not easy on any of us but we will continue to bond together as a school system no matter what job we have and support our kids both in school and through a virtual learning platform.”

M

NEWARK – Requests for competitive teacher salaries, maintaining small class sizes and technology funding highlighted a public budget input session hosted by the Worcester County Board of Education this week.

On Tuesday, the school system hosted its annual public budget input session via conference call. Speakers stressed the importance of funding teacher salaries at a level that would allow the school system to retain and recruit highly qualified educators.

“Our success in education comes from the high-quality teaching and the positive, loving and supportive environment teachers create for our children every single day, our current situation being no exception,” Showell Elementary School parent Jennifer Kavanagh said. “Simply put, our children’s education would not be what it is today without these outstanding people. Please show them we cannot do this without them.”

Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert kicked off Tuesday’s meeting with an overview of the school system’s $114 million budget. Worcester County funds the vast majority — 77% — of the budget.

More than 85% of the school system’s budget is spent on salaries and fixed charges.

“We’re a people organization,” Tolbert said.

Tolbert said negotiations with the Worcester County Teachers Association had not yet started but said that with the estimated 5% health insurance cost increase, a step increase and cost of living adjustment would cost the school system $2.5 million.

Superintendent Lou Taylor thanked parents for calling in to Tuesday’s meeting and said the school system always welcomed public feedback.

“Despite the challenges this pandemic has dealt school systems all across the country one thing is clear — our community remains committed to providing the best education possible for the young people of Worcester County,” he said.

Speakers, representing each facility’s school improvement advisory committee (SIAC), asked the school board to focus on competitive teacher salaries, small class sizes and technology needs going forward. They also asked that materials of instruction be maintained.

“During our distance learning, we have found that the addition of the iPad, Apple television and the instructional material have helped to bridge any gaps we may have endured during these trying times,” said Kim Jackson, representing Buckingham Elementary’ s SIAC. “In the future it’d be great to maintain these additions to continue meeting the needs of our student population.”

The distance learning currently underway also prompted requests for additional bandwidth.

“We are encouraging the board members to continue to support technology and secure additional bandwidth to reduce and eliminate connectivity issues,” said parent Jen Backof, speaking for Berlin Intermediate School. “With the maj-

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December 4, 2020

December 4, 2020

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Page 15

Legislators’ Proposed Police Reforms Worry County Sheriff

Page 16

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With state lawmakers expected to debate several police reform bills early next year, a local sheriff this week made an impassioned plea not to paint all law enforcement with a broad brush.

Following a series of high-profile national incidents this year, there have been calls for defunding police and law enforcement reform in areas all over the country and Maryland has not been immune. Earlier this fall, Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee chair William Smith, Jr. (D-Montgomery), along with Senator Jill Carter (D-Baltimore City) and Senator Charles Sydnor III (D-Baltimore County) put forth at last 15 police reform and accountability bills

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

to be debated in the upcoming General Assembly session.

The Senate committee will hear bills concerning use of physical or deadly force standards, the creation of a misconduct database to establish an officer’s credibility as a witness, the elimination of no-knock warrants, an officer’s duty to intervene and report misconduct, whistleblower protections, and a measure that prohibits purchasing certain military-grade equipment.

Lawmakers will also discuss legislation regarding public access to and court admissibility of body camera footage, the ability of state prosecutors to investigate use of force and fatal officer encounters, financial liability surrounding police misconduct investigations, mandatory drug and alcohol testing after civilian fatalities, and required routine

psychological testing for law enforcement officers, among other things.

Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli made an impassioned plea via video on social media for lawmakers to resist painting all law enforcement with a broad brush and urged area residents to support the men and women in blue.

“Some of these bills are very concerning for the law enforcement profession,” he said. “First, they’re trying to abolish the Law Enforcement Officer Bill of Rights. That is taking away a police officer’s right to due process. The LEOBR does not protect bad police officers. It does not protect the jobs of bad cops or officers who are unfit for duty.

The LEOBR does not afford police officers any rights that are not afforded to citizens, it only reinforces a police officer’s rights in the context of the law en-

December 4, 2020

forcement community.”

Crisafulli also addressed the use of force issue featured so prominently in certain national cases over the last several months.

“The House and Senate are also looking to criminalize the use of force,” he said. “This is very dangerous when our officers have to make split-second life or death decisions under extreme duress. This type of reform may cause them not to react in a dire situation.”

Crisafulli said his department, along with allied law enforcement agencies around the state, are prepared to fight in Annapolis this winter against onerous police reform bills.

“Law enforcement officers are in the battle of our lives in this upcoming legislative session,” he said. “Our profession has been painted with a broad brush, unfairly depicting us as irresponsible, lacking integrity and not caring about our community. This is a dangerous stroke against the men and women who protect our community every day.”

The sheriff urged area residents to resist trying police-involved cases in the court of public opinion.

“Some of the public opinion on how we do our job and what is right and what is wrong is not always accurate,” he said. “We cannot be judged by the court of public opinion. We need to have due process. If a police officer is criminally charged, then the courts should be the tryer of facts, not a clip of a video without all of the facts and circumstances.”

Crisafulli said with COVID and the way the General Assembly will likely operate this session will change how local and state law enforcement agencies fight the battle against stringent police reform bills.

“In order to have any success in avoiding a complete change to policing in Maryland, we will to explore different strategies and change the way we have worked in Annapolis in the past due to COVID-19 restrictions,” he said. “I, along with the other 23 sheriffs and chiefs of police will be battling for our men and women. If we do not, the end result may be the loss of many of our rights, our due process and our ability to do our job without fear of discipline or incarceration when making those split-second decisions while protecting ourselves, our fellow officers and our citizens under the totality of the circumstances.”

Crisafulli said indictments against law enforcement nationally in some cases has had an impact on new officers considering joining the profession.

“Unfortunately, I fear we will continue to see a lack of applications because of these reforms to a very rewarding profession,” he said. “I am a firm believer that it is incumbent on me and other law enforcement leaders to ensure that our men and women are acting appropriately in the course of their duty. It takes copious amounts of training in all aspects of law enforcement. The actions of a few do not represent the profession of outstanding men and women who put their lives on the line every day so we can live enjoyable lives.”

Suspect In Summer Boardwalk Stabbing To Serve 10 Years 4 Other Individuals Still Awaiting Trial

December 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

SNOW HILL – The first of five individuals arrested in connection with a stabbing incident on the Boardwalk in June pleaded guilty last week to second-degree assault and was sentenced to 10 years in jail.

On June 9 between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to two serious assaults on the Boardwalk including one at 11th Street and one at 15th Street. In the 15th Street incident, the victim was stabbed in the back. OCPD officers determined the same group of individuals were responsible for both assaults.

One of the suspects, later identified as Marquis Demby, 22, of Lincoln, Del., was apprehended soon after the incident at 15th Street. A knife used in the stabbing incident was recovered during his arrest. Demby was charged with first-degree assault and other counts.

Last week, Demby pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The OCPD Major Crimes Unit continued the investigation and using City Watch surveillance images obtained from Boardwalk cameras was able to capture images of additional suspects in the two incidents. The images were released to the public via social media and local media outlets and OCPD detectives received numerous citizen tips.

Working with allied law enforcement agencies throughout the Eastern Shore, the other suspects in the two Boardwalk assault incidents were ultimately identified and arrested. The other four suspects are still awaiting adjudication in their cases. They are identified as Marcus Butler, 27, of Cambridge, Md., who has been charged with first- and second-degree assault and reckless endangerment; Orlando Nichols, Jr., 20, of Cambridge, who has been charged with first- and seconddegree assault and reckless endangerment; Xavier Spence, 19, of Cambridge, who has been charged with first- and second-degree assault, dangerous weapon with intent to injure, and reckless endangerment; and Davione Cephas, 20, of Cambridge, who has been charged with first- and second-degree assault and reckless endangerment.

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Page 17

Lower Shore Hospitals Prepared For COVID Surge If It Happens

Page 18

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 4, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

How Can We Help You?

OCEAN CITY – With Maryland’s key COVID metrics continuing to surge in the wrong direction, Gov. Larry Hogan this week announced more efforts to stem the spread including mobilizing more capacity and staffing at hospitals, but on the Lower Shore, area hospitals appear to be coping thus far.

In his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Hogan said the state’s key COVID metrics continue to trend upward including the number of cases, the testing positivity rates, hospitalizations and, unfortunately, deaths. To that end, the governor announced a series of new initiatives aimed at preparing hospitals statewide to handle the growing number of cases each day.

The initiatives, under the larger umbrella of MarylandMedNow, include mobilizing hospital staffing from a variety of sources, increasing hospital acute bed capacity, urging colleges and universities to award academic credit to students for hands-on healthcare work in the field and others. Hogan said the recent surge, which has now included 24 straight days of at least 1,000 new cases statewide, is testing the state’s healthcare system, but the initiatives he announced on Tuesday will help stem the tide.

“The current surge is not only increasing the burden on our healthcare system and filling available hospital beds, but is also affecting our healthcare workers who are already spread thin and operating under immense strain and stress,” he said. “We are laser focused on taking actions in an effort to prevent the overburdening of our healthcare system.”

Hogan’s senior medical advisor Dr. David Marcozzi on Tuesday voiced concerns about the current surge and the potential for it to continue during the holiday season and throughout the winter.

“Due to the rising number of cases, we’re very concerned about the acceleration of the spread during the holidays,” he said. “Unfortunately, the virus doesn’t take a day off. Hospitalizations, cases and deaths will continue. We did it be-

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On Thursday, the number of new cases statewide increased by 2,044, while the testing positivity rate increased to 7.68%. The number of deaths attributed to COVID statewide increased by 48, but the number of hospitalizations decreased slightly by five. Across Maryland, the recent surge is straining the healthcare systems in many areas. On the Lower Shore, including Worcester and Wicomico, the increase in key metrics has been less pronounced, but area hospitals are prepared for a spike if and when it comes.

For example, Atlantic General Hospital (AGH) has been preparing and planning for a spike in new cases since the onset of the pandemic last spring. Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer Matt Morris said AGH is not yet nearing capacity for COVID cases, or for patients in general.

“AGH is experiencing near-normal volumes in clinical areas,” he said. “Emergency room, urgent care, laboratory, radiology, surgical services, inpatient services and the health system primary care sites are ready and able to care for our community.”

Over at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Hospital in Salisbury, a similar situation regarding capacity is playing out.

Director of Strategic Communications Roger Follebout, Jr. said the hospital monitors capacity every day in preparation for a potential surge.

“TidalHealth Peninsula Regional is maintaining census points similar to those prior to COVID, which we are wellequipped to manage,” he said. “At this time, we have not reached physical bed space capacity. We evaluate the need to expand capacity for COVID patients on a daily basis, often several times a day, to ensure we are prepared for all patient needs.”

In terms of space needed for a potential spike in new cases, Morris said AGH began preparing in the spring and there is capacity available if there is a surge locally. As of Wednesday, AGH had seven COVID patients in the hospital.

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… Staffing Not A Major Concern Currently For AGH, TidalHealth

December 4, 2020

“In the spring, we opened additional ICU beds and prepared to expand inpatient acute care beds,” he said. “Those contingency plans are still in place, but have not been needed to date this fall.

We will reopen expanded areas as needed to care for our community.”

Over at TidalHealth Peninsula, Follebout said an entire wing of the hospital can be dedicated to COVID cases by design well before the outbreak of the coronavirus.

“The Layfield Tower was designed 10 years ago to function as a negative air flow environment and it continues as that today,” he said. “It essentially allows us to section off that tower of the hospital as needed and segregate COVID patients there separate from the traditional patient population. We have a similar unit adjacent to our emergency department that is equipped, as needed, to support COVID admissions. The Hallowell Conference Center, which was converted into a 44-bed ICU earlier this year, remains in that configuration, but is currently not housing any patients.”

The need for more staffing was a key focus of Hogan’s announcements on Tuesday regarding healthcare and the recent surge. The governor announced the launch of MarylandMedNow to recruit job-seekers with clinical backgrounds to work at state hospitals, nursing homes, testing sites and vaccination clinics.

Hogan also urged local jurisdictions to mobilize underutilized school nurses and requested Maryland colleges and universities to immediately develop emergency procedures and policies to award academic credit to students for hands-on work experience in healthcare during the pandemic.

On the Lower Shore, the need for more staff to handle the recent COVID surge has been less acute.

“AGH has a low vacancy rate and a skilled, experienced staff,” said Morris.

“Given the lack of supplemental agency staff across the country, AGH has planned to leverage internal resources from alternate clinical and administrative areas to manage the expected COVID19 volumes.”

Follebout said TidalHealth Peninsula was not yet experiencing acute staffing shortages felt by many community hospitals around the state, but the situation is monitored daily.

“Staffing is dependent on so many factors,” he said. “Much like capacity, it is also assessed several times a day.

Throughout the country, including Delmarva peninsula hospitals, the ability to augment normal staffing levels with temporary staffing is very challenging. There are more needs nationwide than the temporary staffing companies are able to support. Currently, the team at TidalHealth is doing an exceptional job at meeting our staffing needs and providing outstanding patient care.”

Morris said AGH has been and remains out front of the COVID pandemic

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

with innovative treatment plans for patients.

“AGH is proud that we have brought state-of-the-art treatments to our community throughout this pandemic,” he said. “Being early adopters of convalescent plasma treatments through an affiliation with the Mayo Clinic and providing Remdesivir to our inpatients have supported strong clinical outcomes. AGH is preparing to receive monoclonal antibody treatments within the next few days. An infusion area on the main campus will perform the infusion services.

Further, AGH is actively preparing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to be provided within the parameters designated by the CDC and the state of Maryland.”

Page 19

Beach Fun: Ocean City Police Pfc. Joseph Laughlin is pictured on his mount last weekend talking with visitors enjoying a warm day.

Photo by Chris Parypa

First-Ever Ice Ice Event Kicks Off Berlin’s Holiday Season

Page 20

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

An elevated look at Berlin, the town Christmas tree and the Atlantic Hotel is pictured during last Friday’s event.

Photos by Alyssa Maloof

BERLIN – Holiday season is in full swing in downtown Berlin.

While the pandemic has prompted changes, the town is doing its best to remain festive this December. A successful Ice Ice Berlin last Friday is being followed up with the town’s new Light up Berlin home decorating contest.

“The response has been overwhelming,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director.

“With many events being canceled, we thought this would be a fun way for everyone to enjoy the lights and decorations; the Berlin community really knows how to decorate.”

Though the pandemic forced the cancellation of the parade and the town’s annual tree lighting ceremony, merchants

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joined together to sponsor the installation of ice sculptures on Black Friday to kick off the holiday shopping season. Wells said the evening, christened Ice Ice Berlin, went well and will likely be held again in 2021. Main Street was closed, and visitors were able to walk through town, admiring ice sculptures and perusing downtown shops.

“It went extremely well,” she said.

“Everyone that I saw was compliant with the mask mandate. I could see people smiling behind their masks.”

While there was a crowd in town for the event, Wells said people were spread out since there were more than 20 ice sculptures. Merchants too were mindful of social distancing and placed some of their wares on racks on the sidewalk.

“They were definitely busy but they were mindful of how many people were in the shops,” Wells said.

To keep the festivities going, the town launched its Light up Berlin contest this week. More than 30 homes have signed up to participate. Judging will take place on Dec. 11 and 12. The George Bailey Award will go to the most classic and traditional display while the Kevin McAllister Award will go to the most creative and original display. The Clark Griswold Award will go to the brightest house while The Charles Dickens Award will go to the most spirited home.

Wells said the town was pleased with the participation, particularly since the contest was new.

“The holiday season is all about the kids,” she said. “We wanted to give the kids something to look forward to, to enjoy the beauty of the season.”

She added that the town recognized all holidays, regardless of race or religion, and encouraged everyone to celebrate in their own personal way.

“Whether it’s Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Diwali, please show your spirit this holiday season,” she said.

Throughout the rest of the month, the town will offer free carriage rides on weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Masks are required and only one group is permitted to ride at a time.

The town is also still forwarding letters to the North Pole via the “Letters for Santa” mailbox at the welcome center. Those who write prior to Dec. 14 will receive a coupon for a free treat from one of the town’s eateries.

One of the 20-plus ice sculptures by Erik Cantine is shown on Main Street last Friday.

December 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Treatment Plant Amendment OK’d

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – County officials approved a water and sewer plan amendment this week that will allow for the installation of a sewage treatment plant at a Bishopville mobile home park.

On Tuesday, the Worcester County Commissioners voted to approve an amendment to the Worcester County Master Water and Sewerage Plan allowing certain systems to seek a point source discharge permit. Though not site specific, the amendment will allow for the installation of a sewage treatment plant at Riverview Mobile Home Park in Bishopville.

“I think anything we can do that will improve the quality of the Bishopville Prong I’m for,” Commissioner Jim Bunting said.

Bob Mitchell, the county’s director of environmental programs, explained that the proposed text amendment would change the section of the water and sewerage plan related to protection of the environment. The section of the plan prohibiting long-term discharge into the coastal bays would be revised to allow for surface discharge to the bays in certain situations on the condition that enhanced treatment was required and that the discharge not contribute to degradation of the waterbody.

Joe Moore, the attorney who pro-

December 4, 2020

posed the text amendment, said that while the proposed change was generic it would allow for improvements at Riverview Mobile Home Park.

“The very purpose of it is to enhance the water quality of adjacent water courses,” Moore said. “Of course, we’re on the Bishopville Prong, which everyone knows. It is a bit stressed.”

Consulting engineer Robert Rauch said the original plan likely hadn’t included the proposed language because the enhanced treatment technology hadn’t been available when the plan was written. He added the proposal would eliminate more than 370 pounds of nitrogen by getting rid of 66 septic systems at Riverview Mobile Home Park.

Kevin Smith, executive director of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, wrote a letter in support of the text amendment.

“It is our understanding that the proposed text amendment will provide for the installation of a sewage treatment plant for the Riverview Mobile Home Park with a single discharge to Bishopville Prong,” Smith wrote. “It is also our understanding that this will provide for an enhanced level of treatment which will result in a net reduction in nutrient loading to Bishopville Prong.”

Kathy Phillips of Assateague Coastal Trust (ACT) submitted a letter that provided comment but was not for or against the text amendment. She pointed out while there was potential for improved water quality, the text amendment appeared to circumvent the comprehensive planning process.

“There has been an alarming increase in ‘zoning by text amendment’ in Worcester County the past few years, and ACT has noticed the tendency for the county to grow by ‘one text amendment after another’ instead of comprehensively planning growth in the county through a long overdue stakeholder and public opinion process,” Phillips wrote.

“This constant trickle of text amendments and zoning changes are designed to benefit one property owner but have county wide implications.

These under-the-radar individual text amendments are not widely known by the public and in the end the county zoning is changing without true public review and input.”

Bunting was quick to speak in support of the text amendment and its potential to improve the health of the Bishopville Prong.

“The Bishopville Prong is in bad, bad shape,” he said. “I wouldn’t even allow my dog to swim in it.”

Commissioner Josh Nordstrom asked what assurances the county had that the new system would do what the applicant said it would. Mitchell explained that there would be state oversight.

“It sounds like an excellent plan,” Nordstrom said. “I’m certainly in favor of anything that cleans up our waterways.”

The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the text amendment.

December 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 23

Assateague Alters OSV Fee Options

Page 24

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

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ASSATEAGUE – A huge spike in use of the Over-Sand Vehicle (OSV) zone at Assateague Island National Seashore has resulted in a restructuring of the fees.

During the summer of 2020, the Assateague Island National Seashore (AINS) saw an 81% increase in OSV zone use from the average use over the last five years. With the spike came an increase in the cost of operating and maintaining the OSV zone. Increases in the cost recovery permit fees are intended to offset those costs to AINS without greatly impacting visitors to the OSV zone.

For example, the day-use OSV permit is currently $90. The overnight 24hour pass, including the mandate of fishing from midnight to 5 a.m., is currently $110. The Bullpen permit is currently $150. AINS plans to simplify the fee structure by only offering a 24-hour OSV permit with fishing required midnight-5 a.m. for $110 annually. and a Bullpen rate of $150. Therefore, for those wanting the day use permit (5 a.m.-midnight) for $90 who want the same plan will see a $20 increase, or 22%, for the same permit but will be granted overnight privileges.

AINS officials pointed out 100% of

December 4, 2020

the revenue from the OSV zone permits stay in the park and are used for maintenance, and visitor and resource protection. The revenue is also used to enhance visitor safety specific to the OSV zone. AINS officials also pointed out the costs of driving on the beach in other areas such as the Delaware parks and Cape Hatteras are significantly higher than the new permit fees at Assateague.

The total number of vehicles with access to the OSV zone on the Maryland side will remain at 145. As always, a beach driving permit is required, and once the 145-vehicle limit is reached, access to the OSV zone is limited to one vehicle on for one vehicle that leaves. It is not unusual for vehicles to stack up waiting to get in the OSV zone during the summer.

Many OSV users arrive early and can remain on the beach overnight if they are awake or fishing. Others can camp in the Bullpen area if they have a self-contained camper.

OSV permits may be purchased at the North Beach Visitor Center on the Maryland side, or at the Toms Cove Visitor Center on the Virginia side. For OSV permit information and current access conditions, call 410-641-3030. For general information about the national seashore, visit www.nps.gov/asis or call 410-641-1441.

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Short-Term Fixes Eyed To Slow North OC Street Speeds

December 4, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Impassioned pleas for some kind of traffic-calming or stronger enforcement in a densely-populated north-end neighborhood have not fallen on deaf ears as city officials this week announced a series of immediate and potential long-term solutions.

In October, members of the Caine Woods Community Association came before the Mayor and Council seeking real solutions to an ongoing problem of reckless driving and speeding along some of the major thoroughfares. In particular, 142nd Street, and even 139th Street to some degree, have become a major access point to the resort from the rapidly-growing Route 54 corridor.

Many motorists, including commercial vehicles, utilize 142nd Street to get from Route 54 in Delaware to Coastal Highway. Many are cutting through otherwise quiet residential areas, creating an often-dangerous situation for yearround residents in the area. City Engineer Terry McGean and staff have met with Caine Woods community members to hear their concerns and begin to take steps to alleviate some of the traffic concerns in the neighborhood.

On Tuesday, McGean briefed the Mayor and Council on some of the actions that are being undertaken immediately, along with potential long-term solutions. Before getting into the details specific to the Caine Woods problem, McGean presented a primer on the various traffic-calming devices at the town’s disposal.

For example, increased enforcement is one of the easiest to achieve and already the Ocean City Police Department has expanded its presence along 142nd Street with increased stationary patrol. In addition, electronic “Your Speed” signs have become a prominent feature along the corridor.

McGean also provided detailed information on the difference between speed bumps and speed humps. For example, speed bumps are generally narrow and taller and are not recommended for traffic-calming along heavily-traveled corridors. Speed humps are much wider and far less steep and can provide effective traffic-calming along busy corridors in residential areas.

“Speed bumps and speed humps are two very different things,” he said. “Speed humps can be very effective. They result in a 20% reduction in speed in most cases.”

McGean outlined other potential traffic-calming measures including a raised crosswalk, raised intersections, increased signage and bump-outs, among others. He outlined a standard measure of speed on a roadway and the criteria by which traffic-calming measures are based. For example, the 85th percentile for speed is an example of a criteria by which traffic-calming is measured.

The speed limit on 142nd Street is 25 mph and the 85th percentile speed on the corridor was 32 mph, or seven mph over the posted speed limit, according to

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

recent data collection. The average recorded speed was 27 mph and the highest recorded speed was 65 mph. In a survey conducted from mid-October through the beginning of November, the average daily traffic volume on 142nd Street was 1,926 per day with a peak volume of 3,087 on a Saturday during the survey period.

McGean said the survey was conducted in the fall and the volume along the corridor was predicted to be double during the summer season. Similarly, the average speed along the corridor is expected to increase in kind during the summer.

“It is likely that speeds will be slightly higher with the increased traffic volumes in the summer,” he said. “Speeding on this street would be considered borderline excessive.”

Similar data was presented for 139th Street, which is also a major east-west corridor through the community. In recent years, traffic-calming on both corridors has improved with a median installed along with other devices such as bump-outs. Still, the problems on 142nd Street persist. Another unique issue with 142nd Street is a pronounced curve in the roadway, which only exacerbates the speeding issue. McGean told the Mayor and Council short-term fixes are already underway and longer-term solutions could be in the offing.

For example, the aforementioned increase in enforcement is already underway. In addition, the crosswalks at Tunnel Avenue have been restriped and “Truck Prohibited” signs have been added at the west end of 142nd Street.

A “Curve Warning” sign has been or-

Page 25

dered along with larger stop signs. Also, installing milled rumble strips at each end of the curve in the road is planned for this winter.

McGean said those short-term fixes will be monitored and more data will be collected throughout next summer to determine if they are achieving the desired results, or if greater, and potentially more expensive, measures are needed in the future such as redesigning the corridors or reconfiguring their intersection. In either case, Councilman Tony DeLuca said the time is now to make the appropriate changes.

“How long have we been talking about 142nd Street?” he said. “I think we need to consider speed humps. Everybody knows it’s the fourth entrance into Ocean City and it goes right through a residential neighborhood.”

Page 26

Obituaries The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Kenneth L. Hooper WHALEYVILLE – Kenneth L. Hooper, age 61, of Whaleyville, went to his heavenly home on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020.

Born on Dec. 6, 1958, he was the son of the late Walter S. Hooper, Sr. and Barbara Hooper.

Ken graduated from James M. Bennett High School in 1976 and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 1980.

He was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1983 after graduating from the University of Baltimore School of Law. He had practiced in Salisbury since 1984 and most reKENNETH L. cently was an equity shHOOPER areholder in Hearne & Bailey, P.A., which he joined in 2002.

Ken (known by many as “Kenny”) was passionate about music. In addition to church services, he played the drums for several music groups throughout the 1970s, including the Smitty Gatlin Trio, the Eastman Quartet and the Singing Prouses. He also loved to play golf, travel and spend time with family and friends. He was a member of Cross Pointe Church of the Nazarene and in recent years attended Emmanuel Wesleyan Church.

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Jeannine, of Whaleyville; two daughters,

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Brandy Grahn and her husband Adam of Hagerstown and Bethany Hooper of Salisbury; and grand-daughter Heidi Jane Grahn. His children and grand-daughter were his pride and joy.

He is also survived by brothers Walter “Scott” Hooper, Jr., of Salisbury and David Hooper and his wife Dawn of Hebron; brother-in-law Charles Morris and his wife Dianne of Laurel, Del.; motherin-law Shirley Tull of Whaleyville; sisterin-law Judy Ellis and her husband Howard of Whaleyville; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Ruby Hooper Morris, and father-in-law, Billie T.J. Tull.

Known for his tenacity, humor and unwavering commitment to family, Ken will be dearly missed. The family would also like to thank the staff at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional for the wonderful care they provided.

A funeral service will be held on Friday Dec. 4, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Emmanuel Wesleyan Church, 217 Beaglin Park Drive, Salisbury, Md. 21804.

Visitation was held on Thursday, Dec. 3 from 6-8 pm at Emmanuel Wesleyan and again one hour prior to the Friday service. Interment will follow at Wicomico Memorial Park. Rev. Mark Bunting and Rev. Joel Bieler will be officiating. Friends and family are required to wear masks and practice social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christian Shelter, 334 Barclay Street, Salisbury, Md. 21804, or to The Magi Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 521, Salisbury, Md. 21803.

Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, P.A., 501 Snow Hill, Rd., Salisbury, Md. 21804. Please visit www.hollowayfh.com to express condolences to the family.

Eugene (Gene) Rayne Parker Jr. OCEAN CITY – Eugene (Gene) Rayne Parker Jr., age 81, died peacefully in his home on Nov. 24, 2020.

Born in Selbyville, Del., he was the son of Eugene Rayne Parker and Louise

December 4, 2020 Morris Parker Burbage. He is survived by many dear friends and relatives including his Aunt Eileen M Powell and many cousins including Mitchell Montalvo Parker and his wife Nancy and their two children, Mitchell Rayne Parker and Olivia Calcutt Parker who knew Gene as “Pop Pop”.

After growing up in Selbyville, Del., and Berlin, he enlisted in the Air Force and served four years. Gene returned to Ocean City and began a lifelong career in real estate sales and development. Recognizing the yet unfulfilled demand for the secondary home market, he was instrumental in the developEUGENE RAYNE ment and construction of many of Ocean City’s fir- PARKER JR. st townhouse and condominium projects. He purchased Frontier Town in 1969 and saw it evolve into one of the premier family camping and amusement resorts in the country. Always looking for ways to channel his creative energy, he ventured into the bar and restaurant business by building “BJ’s on the Water” in 1979. Gene recognized the untapped potential for real estate development outside of Ocean City and he developed communities such as “Saddle Creek”, “Stray Fox” and “Sea Strand” among many others.

Gene had a lifelong love for tennis which not only resulted in his playing for decades, but also in the growth of local youth tennis. He built an indoor/outdoor tennis facility in West Ocean City so that local youth could take lessons and train.

Searching for artifacts was also a passion for Gene. He loved to comb the shores of the Chincoteague Bay looking for pottery, arrowheads, coins and anything else of historical value. Gene loved trees, especially magnolia and bald cypress trees. From his small greenhouse, he germinated and raised thousands of trees. He would then plant or donate his seedlings so they would bring color and beauty throughout Worcester County for generations to come.

Gene will be missed by his countless friends and relatives. A Celebration of Life Service will be announced by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Baker & Parker Stephen Decatur Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc., 1324 Belmont Ave., Ste. 401, Salisbury Md. 21804.

Knife Threat Over Breakfast Eggs

December 4, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Towson, Md. woman was arrested on first-degree assault charges last weekend after allegedly threatening a family member with a butcher knife during an argument about how she cooked eggs for breakfast.

Around 9 a.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a condo at 72nd Street for a reported domestic assault that had already occurred. Upon arrival, the officer met with Mary Anne Tom, 54, of Towson, Md., who was staying in the unit with family members for the weekend.

Tom told the responding officer she had been in an argument with a male because he did not like the eggs she had prepared for breakfast, according to police reports. Tom reportedly told the officer of her feelings of not being appreciated by the victim. Tom told police that during the argument, the victim lunged toward her in an aggressive manner as if to attack her.

According to police reports, Tom told the officer at that point, she grabbed a kitchen knife and pointed it at the victim and said, “If you come near me, I’ll stab you.” Tom reportedly advised the officer the victim had wrapped his arm around her neck, pulled her to the ground, held her there and took the knife away from her. She reportedly agreed the victim’s actions were the result of him trying to protect himself.

However, according to police reports, the officer determined through the investigation Tom was never in a choke hold and had not been assaulted as she originally claimed on the telephone prior to the officer’s arrival. Meanwhile, the victim reportedly told police Tom began walking toward him with the butcher knife in her hand and threatened to stab him. The victim advised officers he grabbed the knife from Tom and subdued her on the ground until he could free himself to leave with his children, according to police reports. The victim reportedly told the officers after he took the butcher knife from her, Tom repeatedly attempted to grab other knives, which is why he subdued her. The victim told police he then drove to the police station to report the incident.

According to reports, the victim advised he had a cut on his arm from the knife as well as bite marks. The victim reportedly told police his 7-year-old daughter was present and witnessed the incident, and he was genuinely scared and concerned for his safety and the safety of his children. The victim reportedly told police if he did not take the knife away from Tom, someone would have gotten hurt. The officer observed small lacerations on the victim’s left forearm where he had been cut during the incident.

Tom was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree assault and reckless endangerment.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 27

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Page 28

Business And Real Estate News The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Monthly Market Recap BERLIN – Winter is coming but the real estate market on the Eastern Shore is not cooling down. Low inventory is driving prices up and homes are flying off the market according to the latest numbers from the Coastal Association of REALTORS® (CAR).

For all three counties throughout October, new settlements were up 53.2%

A graphic summarizes October’s real estate market’s key data points.

Submitted Image

compared to the same time last year. Individually, new settlements throughout October were up by 23.4% in Wicomico, 80% in Worcester and down 22.2% in Somerset.

New listings in October were up by 26.7% compared to the same time last year in all three counties but because of demand inventory is still going down. Individually, new listings were up by 43.1% in Worcester, 5% in Wicomico and down by 20% in Somerset. Active listings in all three counties were down by 52%. Individually, there were 446 active listings in Worcester, 223 in Wicomico, and 85 in Somerset.

The average Cumulative Days on Market (CDOM) for October was 55, or 32.9% less than the same time last year.

The median sale price for the Lower Shore was $262,750 which is 19.4% higher than this time last year.

“Homes are not staying on the market,” said CAR President Joni Martin Williamson. “We are seeing historic lows

for days on market as well as inventory.

Now is the time to sell. Even in the midst of this horrible pandemic REALTORS® and our Affiliate members have been working hard and safely to help local homeowners and buyers achieve their dreams.”

Virtual Care Partnership BERLIN – Atlantic General Hospital (AGH) and Medocity announced a collaboration to enable expanded virtual care management capabilities for AGH patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, COPD and heart failure.

The not-for-profit community-based healthcare system originally launched their remote patient monitoring program in 2017 so care coordinators could closely follow the progress of individuals at greater risk of their health deteriorating after a hospital stay as well as those with certain chronic conditions around the clock.

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December 4, 2020 this month, allows for greater access to more patients with chronic conditions.

The program will evolve over the next few months to include patients undergoing treatment for cancer as well as individuals recently discharged after surgery at Atlantic General, thereby further reducing avoidable hospitalizations and improving outcomes for patients throughout Maryland and Delaware.

“We are thrilled to help AGH bring care to their patients, especially during this pandemic when many patients are concerned about going out of their homes to get much-needed care,” said Laura Giostra, senior director of clinical services at Medocity. “This is especially true with high-risk patients suffering from chronic conditions such as CHF and diabetes, and from complex illnesses such as cancer.”

The Medocity Digital Care Platform enables AGH providers to stay connected with their patients remotely, monitor symptoms and vital signs, receive real-time alerts, and interact with their patients via secure texting or televisits – all within the security of the same virtual ecosystem. In addition, patients will be able to access customized resources and guidance tailored for each individual to help address social determinants, including information directing patients back to AGH services through links to their own programs and clinics.

“Digital adoption and smart phone ownership have been rapidly increasing across our region, and we’ve made significant investments in telehealth to better service Atlantic General’s patient population, including our rural and underserved communities,” said Charles Gizara, director of integrated care management at AGH. “We’ve partnered with Medocity to help us deliver next-generation virtual services, furthering our commitment to improving health care in the communities we serve.”

Firm Earns High Honor SALISBURY – Architectural Record magazine ranked Becker Morgan Group in the top 300 architectural firms nationwide for 2020.

Becker Morgan Group has ranked in the magazine’s top 300 firms for the last five years. Projects leading to the ranking include TidalHealth McCready Free Standing Medical Facility, University of North Carolina Wilmington Film Studies and Delaware State Police Troop 7.

December 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 29

White Horse Park Residency Case Postponed Till March

Page 30

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The trial regarding occupancy restrictions at White Horse Park has been delayed until at least March.

A judge this week granted a motion for continuance filed by the attorney representing the plaintiffs, a group of fulltime White Horse Park residents suing Worcester County over plans to enforce long-ignored occupancy restrictions. A trial had been scheduled for Dec. 15 and 16.

“The trial for December is being ad-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Motions Hearing Still On For This Month

ministratively postponed,” an announcement on the White Horse Park Community Association website reads.

Last year, a group of residents filed a lawsuit against the county over its plan to enforce decades-old occupancy restrictions in White Horse Park. Though some people have lived in the park for years, it was only in 2018 that the county began efforts to bring the community in-

to compliance with its zoning restrictions, which state that units can’t be occupied year-round.

Though a trial was set for Dec. 15 and 16, attorney Hugh Cropper, representing the group of full-time residents, asked for a continuance last month. He cited the growing number of coronavirus cases in the United States and the age of his clients, many of whom are elderly.

“At this time, these plaintiffs are in fear of attending the trial in the circuit court, although they are very desirous of telling their story,” he wrote in his motion.

Cropper supplemented the motion with the information that the White Horse Park Community Association, which is Worcester County’s co-defendant in the case, had postponed its annual election because of COVID-19.

Both Worcester County and the White Horse Park Community Association opposed the motion to continue the trial. Victoria Shearer, the attorney representing Worcester County in the case, wrote in her opposition that it was just an attempt by Cropper to avoid an adverse legal ruling at trial.

“As plaintiffs’ intentions of delay and avoidance are transparent, defendant hereby opposes the motion to continue

December 4, 2020

the trial date,” her opposition reads. “The county seeks a just and speedy resolution of this matter.”

On Monday, a Worcester County Circuit Court judge granted Cropper’s motion to continue the trial. A motions hearing — regarding Cropper’s request to dismiss Worcester County as a defendant and have the case proceed solely against the White Horse Park Community Association — will still take place Dec. 15. Though they opposed the continuance of the trial, Shearer and James Almand, the attorney representing the community association, are now advocating against holding the motions hearing.

“I agree that an in-person hearing is unfair and unnecessary,” Shearer wrote in an in an email to Cropper and Almand this week. “There is no reason it cannot be held via video remotely. I even asked his law clerk to request a video conference hearing. I politely asked his law clerk if it was not contradictory for the court to cancel the trial due to Covid-19 concerns, but still hold a hearing in person. She said the Judge thinks the difference is that a trial would require witnesses and a hearing does not. I explained that it is a 3-hour drive for me and I need to stop along the way, etc.”

Shearer went on to suggest all three parties file a motion for a video hearing.

As of Thursday, the motions hearing was still set for Dec. 15 at 1:30 p.m.

December 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 31

Page 32

Cops & Courts The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Trespassing, Assault Charges OCEAN CITY – A Silver Spring, Md., man was arrested last weekend after battling with resort police following his eviction from a downtown hotel.

Around 5:10 a.m. last Friday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to a hotel on the Boardwalk at 11th Street for a reported disorderly male in the lobby yelling at hotel staff. The officer arrived and determined the alleged suspect was Scott Orellana, 44, of Silver Spring, Md. The OCPD was familiar with Orellana from previous incidents, including an incident just about an hour earlier.

In that incident, OCPD officers were dispatched to a report of two disorderly males yelling at each other on the Boardwalk, one of whom was allegedly Orellana. When police arrived on that scene, Orellana reportedly ran into the hotel and to his room on the second floor.

An OCPD officer attempted to make contact with Orellana at the second-floor room, but he refused to open the door and yelled various anti-police rhetoric through the door. When the officers left the area, Orellana reportedly came out on his balcony and continued to yell derogatory remarks at the police officers, according to police reports.

When OCPD officers arrived back at

the hotel about an hour later for the second incident, they met with the hotel’s night auditor, who advised Orellana had come into the lobby and began screaming at him. According to police reports, Orellana was angry police officers were outside his room during the earlier incident.

OCPD officers responded to the second-floor room along with the night auditor and knocked on the door several times, according to police reports, but Orellana refused to answer. Orellana was informed he was no longer welcome in the hotel and if he did not pack his belongings and leave, he would be arrested for trespassing. Orellana reportedly still did not answer.

The night auditor attempted to open the door with a master key, but the deadbolt was set and the door could only be opened partially. The night auditor told officers he had a tool to open closed dead-

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After considerable back-and-forth during which Orellana continued to scream obscenities at the officers, the night auditor was able to access the room and the officers entered. According to police reports, Orellana was lying on the bed pretending to be asleep, despite having just been screaming at them through the door moments earlier, according to police reports.

Officers attempted to take Orellana into custody for trespassing, but he resisted and tensed his muscles. After a brief struggle, the officers were able to handcuff Orellana. During a search of his person, an assisted-opening knife was found in his pocket.

When officers attempted to remove Orellana, he allegedly continued to resist and screamed at the officers as spit flew

HERE’S MY CARD

from his mouth and onto one officer’s face, according to police reports. When officers attempted to get Orellana on the elevator, he continued to scream and thrash around and reportedly kicked one officer in the shin.

Once on the ground floor, Orellana reportedly continued his tirade and screamed for someone to film what the officers were allegedly doing to him and he reportedly continued to scream anti-police rhetoric. He was told to stop shouting at least 26 times, according to police reports. He was ultimately carried to the transport van after officers had to apply a violent person restraining device to his feet and ankles.

He was charged with nine total counts including trespassing, resisting arrest, numerous second-degree assault charges, disorderly conduct, failure to obey a lawful order and a weapons charge.

Glass Door Shattered In Fight OCEAN CITY – A North Carolina woman was arrested for assault and malicious destruction of property last weekend after allegedly smashing a glass door at a residence during a domestic altercation.

Around 12:30 a.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to the Seabreeze SEE NEXT PAGE ROOFING

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch ing flower pots around on the front porch.

The victim reportedly told police Hardin then began banging on the glass storm door in a fit of rage because she believed she was locked out of the house.

That’s when the glass storm door shattered. According to police reports, Hardin openly admitted to punching the glass door and breaking it with her fist. The victim told police the residence belonged to his parents and the estimated damage to the door was around $300. Hardin was arrested and charged with second-degree assault and malicious destruction of property.

Drive area for a reported domestic dispute. While responding to the scene, the officer was advised by communications the male victim who called in the incident was still being actively assaulted.

Upon arrival, the officer observed the male victim actively attempting to exit the residence by climbing out of a shattered front door glass storm door, according to police reports. The officer reportedly observed the glass storm door to be completely shattered with shards of glass all over the front porch and inside the home.

The victim advised the officer the female inside the residence, later identified as Nikki Hardin, 23, of Fayetteville, N.C., was having a “freak out,” according to police reports. The officer reportedly observed the victim’s clothes to be disheveled and the victim had fresh scratch marks in his neck.

The victim reportedly told police he and Hardin had been having an argument when she became more aggressive and began striking him with closed fists. The victim reportedly told police he pushed Hardin away, but she approached him again and continued to strike him with closed fists.

According to police reports, Hardin then exited the house and began throw-

Disorderly Conduct Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Takoma Park, Md., man was arrested last weekend after

Page 33

reportedly battling with employees at a downtown hotel.

Around 12:40 a.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to a hotel at 33rd Street for a report of a disorderly male in the lobby harassing other guests and threatening to fight the complainant.

Communications reported they could hear other people shouting in the background of the call and the suspect, later identified a Telemarkos Mengesha, 26, of Takoma Park, Md., was pushing other guests in the lobby.

When the officer arrived, he reportedly observed a hotel employee arguing with Mengesha in a café in the hotel lobby.

The hotel employee was still on the phone with Ocean City Communications as

HERE’S MY CARD

Mengesha reportedly got in his face and waved his arms in a wild, uncoordinated fashion, according to police reports.

The hotel employee reportedly told police Mengesha was out of control and that he had no idea who he was. The employee told police he and other employees had been dealing with Mengesha for over an hour. The officer attempted to calm Mengesha and find out why he was upset, but there was a language barrier and the officer could not fully understand the suspect.

According to police reports, Mengesha was disheveled and dirty and exhibited signs of intoxication. Based on the evidence and testimony, Mengesha was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.

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OCEAN CITY – Electric vehicle enthusiasts will find more places to recharge soon after resort officials this week approved a request to install more charging stations around Ocean City.

On Tuesday, City Engineer Terry McGean presented a request to approve more electric-vehicle charging stations at different locations around the resort.

In addition, McGean presented a request to activate credit card payment capabilities at existing charging stations in the resort.

The request came from the Electric Vehicle Institute (EVI), which provides grants for the installation of the charging stations in Ocean City and other locations around the state and nation.

Currently, there are two Level 2 charging stations at the Worcester Street municipal lot, two Level 2 charging stations at the Convention Center lot along with two Tesla charging stations and two Level 3 fast-charge stations. In addition, there are two Level 2 stations at the 100th Street lot and two more Level 2 stations at the 125th Street lot.

McGean explained EVI has requested the installation of four new Level 3 charging stations at either the Worcester Street or 100th Street lots. In addition, EVI is requesting the installation of credit-card payment capabilities at all of the Level 3 fast-charge stations in the city. He said the request comes with almost no financial commitment from the city.

“Currently, EVI pays to furnish and install the chargers along with grants from Tesla,” he said. “The town is only on the hook for the cost of the electricity, and we recoup that with the revenue from the premium parking fees.”

At all charging stations around town, Ocean City pays for the cost of the electricity needed to charge vehicles.

However, in all cases, the consumer pays an extra $2 per hour to park in the spaces designated for the charging stations on top of the regular parking rates.

In addition, EVI has requested the activation of credit-card acceptance at

December 4, 2020

the various charging stations. Currently, the existing charging stations in town do not have that capability. The existing Level 2 stations are not set up to accept credit card payments, while the Level 3 stations are equipped to accept credit card payments but have not been activated. After McGean’s presentation, the council voted unanimously to approve the requests.

OCPD Toy Drive Deadline Next Week

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) is still seeking the public’s help with its annual holiday toy drive.

The OCPD launched its annual holiday toy drive last month and is collecting new, unwrapped toys. All toy donations will benefit Worcester County GOLD (Giving Others’ Lives Dignity), a local non-profit organization that strives to promote dignity by providing financial aid to families in crisis, vulnerable adults, and children in foster care in Worcester County.

This year marks the fifth in a row the OCPD has made Worcester County GOLD the beneficiary of its annual holiday toy drive. All toys will be provided to Worcester County GOLD as part of their “Helping Hands for the Holidays” program. Last year, the program provided holiday gifts for 658 children and 80 vulnerable adults in the community.

New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the Public Safety Building at 65th Street. Worcester County GOLD requests all toys be valued at $40 or less and do not include jewelry, bicycles, electronics, video games or toy weapons of any kind. The deadline for all toy donations is Dec. 9.

All monetary donations and contributions can be sent directly to Worcester County GOLD at 299 Commerce Street, Snow Hill, Md., 21863.

Couple Aims To Educate Community About CBD Benefits

December 4, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A new Berlin business aims to educate the community regarding the many uses of CBD oil.

Delmarva Health thru CBD opened earlier this year in the Healing Arts Center of the Eastern Shore. Business owners Nathan and Dawn Gears hope the store will provide area residents with access to and information about premium CBD products.

“Our vision has always been we wanted not only to sell CBD but to educate the community about CBD,” Dawn Gears said. “There are so many misconceptions.”

CBD, short for cannabidiol, has been growing in popularity in recent years as proponents use the product for insomnia, depression, pain and anxiety, among other things. Nathan Gears created Delmarva Health thru CBD after using CBD products himself. After launching the store in a small room within the Healing Arts Center—which is located on Franklin Avenue just east of Route 113—in February he moved the shop to a larger space within the center this summer. He and his wife are certified CBD consultants.

The expanded space now offers a wide variety of CBD products. The store sells four types of oils—isolates, broad spectrum, full spectrum and water soluble—as well as edibles, topicals and even CBD infused sparkling water.

There are lip balms, chocolate bars and even pet care products. The shop also sells Willie Nelson’s coffee line.

“As far as I know we’re the only ones on the Eastern Shore who carry that,” Nathan Gears said. “It’s really good.”

The store also has a full line of CBG, CBN and Delta 8 Cannabinoids which come in oils, edibles and inhalables.

“We are always looking for unique quality products,” Dawn Gears said. “We have also come out with our own product line, Wayward Gear. We started with a topical Wayward Joint and Muscle and also we have our own Wayward Flower Merlot. We are currently looking into creating other products that are different from what is available now. We hope to educate the community on the endocannabinoid system and how CBD and other cannabinoids can play a part in this system.”

The couple has been careful to stock the store only with the best CBD products out there and everything has been third-party lab tested.

“We’re very choosy on what companies we bring in,” Dawn Gears said.

Her husband agreed.

“We’re not trying to sell you everything, we’re trying to sell you the best,” he said. “Most of these are my own picks.”

The Gears believe what makes Delmarva Health thru CBD unique is that they are just as interested in educating

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

the community regarding CBD as they are in selling their products. They talk to their customers about what sort of issues they have and what products could help. They also provide detailed information regarding the various types of oils and the differences between them.

They even check in with customers via text or email to see how a new product is working out for them.

“We guide them to the oils that are going to be good for them,” Dawn Gears said. “People say they learn something new every time they come in.”

Her husband pointed out that they didn’t just push the strongest products on people.

“Our motto is to go low and slow,” Dawn Gears agreed.

Nathan Gears, who grew up in the

Page 35

Operators Dawn and Nathan Gears are pictured with some of their premium CBD products.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

community, said keeping customers happy was a priority for him.

“We want people to have a good experience,” he said. “We’re locals. You’ve got to treat people right or you’re not go-

ing to stay in business.”

For more information on the shop or to set up an appointment, call 410-6502292 or visit delmarvahealththrucbd.com.

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Page 36

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 4, 2020

News In Photos

Hope4Recovery Executive Director Brandon O'Brien spoke to the Ocean City Lions Club about recovery and the role recovery houses play in successful longterm sobriety. Since its opening in October 2018, Hope4Recovery has served 87 men. Pictured, from left, are Lions 1st Vice President Scott Stark, O'Brien, Lions President Mike Hooper and 2nd Vice President Bill Christmas.

Local Boy Scout troops sponsored by the Ocean City American Legion Post 166 conducted a ceremonial burning of worn flags last month at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial with help of the Ocean Pines Fire Department. Above, Pack 261 Cub Master Joe Coleman, left, and Bruce Traver, Bear Den Leader of Pack 261, right, look on as Chase Triplett of Pack 261 salutes a flag being burned.

Submitted Photos

Despite a challenging year, A Perfect Face Day Spa was still able to hold a successful Pamper for Charity fundraiser for the 24th year. Above, owner Carol Withers presents a $5,000 check to the American Cancer Society’s Mary Bellis.

Withers thanked her customers and the supportive community who made the fundraiser a success.

December 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

Page 38

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 4, 2020

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Editor: Today is Thanksgiving, and I am grateful for many things in my life, however I have the looming anxiety hanging over my head that I may not be able to stay in my home full-time after our case goes to court, possibly next month. An article in last week’s paper quoted some of our Board members here at White Horse Park (WHP) and I was shocked and appalled by the scurrilous comments made by them. Lynnette Shutty (who initiated this entire fiasco going to Commissioner Bunting several years ago complaining about full-time renters), stated that we were non-Christian, low class trash. This is an abomination.

I bought my property in 1999 when I was a human resources manager for a government contractor in the Washington, D.C. area. I owned another home in College Park, Md. In 2009, I upgraded my home here to a single-family occupancy, permanent foundation home that the county provided permits to build. In 2012, I retired and relocated here. I became Social Security Disabled in 2015 after several surgeries. I live my life as fully as possible however to have to get my home ready to sell and move would be a physical hardship I could not endure with my disabilities and as my doctors have confirmed.

But these Board members and the county seem to feel differently. Not only has the BOD worked against us full-time homeowners, they have prevented our election of new members to ensure that they stay in control of the board to enforce their will on our lives. They are spending money on an attorney to fight our case that the 465 homeowners in WHP never asked for. They are totally illegal as their terms have run out, and acting President Melissa Peters did not have the year experience required for her to take the job as president. Others who did qualify were fired. Our election which was to be held in June 2020 was postponed to November with ballots being mailed out to all homeowners in October and a meeting scheduled for Nov. 14.

As soon as our attorney Hugh Cropper requested a continuance of our case because of the ages and health of the 38 full-timers and rise of COVID, our Board within less than 24 hours cancelled the meeting and election. This was a direct attempt to stifle our legal voices to elect

persons to our Board much better qualified in a legally held election. Also in the article the county states it has already spent $50,000.00 to fight us 38 senior/elderly/disabled and veteran homeowners here at WHP. Shame on them.

I hope and pray we find an amenable and satisfactory ending to our case soon as the stress is overwhelming, but in the meantime, this Board of Directors here and the county need to be reminded of the word compassion for all.

Sally Connolly Berlin

Democracy Prevailed Editor: In response to the letter “Political Reactions,” contrary to Mr. Evans’ beliefs, the ultimate winner of the 2020 presidential election is democracy.

As to the stated “facts” and “election irregularities” in the letter, I have two words – “prove it.”

I suggest during the next election cycle Mr. Evans step up and become an election judge. Become part of the solution, not part of the problem Teri Denton Willards

Week, Not Weekend Events Editor: The Dispatch’s editorial regarding late September events is troublesome as you consistently refer to them as being held on the "weekend." Bike Week and Cruisin Week are officially monikered thusly as they begin Thursday, by definition midweek: three days behind, three ahead. Same goes with Springfest and Sunfest. Indeed, the latter's most hyper occupied day was the first Thursday.

It's unfortunate that the media continues to unintentionally reinforce the perception that we're the place to go on Saturday/Sunday at the expense of the weekdays which as you know the town is trying to promote. Continued use of the term "weekend" simply serves to repeat the misconception that that's the time to visit when in fact the opposite is true: less crowded, more specials, good deals and discounts and a more agreeable non "weekend warrior" class of people (most locals don't work weekdays and out and about as well). Remember, perception is reality.

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Forever In Memory Of Our Founder, Dick Lohmeyer (May 25, 1927-May 5, 2005) The Dispatch, Serving Greater Ocean City Since 1984, Is Published By Maryland Coast Dispatch Inc. Weekly On Friday Mornings MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811 PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd.

Berlin, Md. 21811 PHONE: 410-641-4561 FAX: 410-641-0966 WEBSITES: www.mdcoastdispatch.com www.facebook.com/thedispatchoc J. STEVEN GREEN Publisher/Editor editor@mdcoastdispatch.com

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The Maryland Coast Dispatch, 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, Md. 21811, is published weekly on Friday mornings, 52 weeks a year.

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POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Maryland Coast Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Maryland Coast Dispatch offices are located at Route 346 and Graham Avenue, Berlin, Maryland.

Between The Lines

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

HOW WE SEE IT

OC’s Public Safety Concerns Must Rule It’s will require a big play to gain serious traction against the pop-up rally held every September in Ocean City, but potential solutions should not come at the expense of heightened public safety concerns.

The dilemma facing city officials now is whether the risk of having bikers mix with the rowdy and rude pop-up rally crowd is too much for public safety agencies to handle.

It’s understandable the prospect of a potential second OC BikeFest week coinciding with the pop-up rally concerns public safety officials. Ocean City Fire Chief Richie Bowers, Police Chief Ross Buzzuro and State’s Attorney Kris Heiser each expressed serious reservations over the possibility of growing the OC BikeFest into a weekend typically marred by the pop-up rally.

“The last pop-up event, we had the most law enforcement we have ever had in this town in its history,” Buzzuro said. “Layering this event on top of that unsanctioned event would take a lot of resources and preparation. We can’t assume one event will wash out the other.”

It’s this assumption that carries the most risk. At this point in time, we think public safety concerns should trump any other potential gains. It’s a major risk to have bikers and the pop-up rally folks here on the same weekend. It could be disastrous.

Though an argument could be made the bikers will book all the lodging in town before the troublemakers, there’s no guarantee it will happen. We believe the pop-up rally attractants are savvy enough to find their own accommodations even if most of the traditional hotel rooms or rentals are reserved by the bikers. There’s a high chance once the city decides to expand the event further into September the pop-up rally folks will rush to immediately secure their lodging, leaving the bikers as the ones having trouble booking rooms.

Adding a second week to BikeFest earlier in September also came with concerns. Mayor Rick Meehan said too many motorized events throughout the month could actually hurt the resort as September features warm weather and draws families with young kids to the town.

Rather than agreeing to invest $1 million over four years to help the BikeFest event grow to two weeks, we prefer Ocean City stick a pin in the concept for now. It would be appropriate for town officials to gauge the impact of a second year of a major police presence armed with the new restrictive, zero-tolerance towing policy and other measures before making this decision. We think the concept of growing the bike event has promise, but we don’t think the time is right for next year.

Page 39

By Publisher/Editor Steve Green

Another week and another instance when Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan should have simply released a press release. This week’s press conference announced efforts to help hospitals statewide deal with increasing caseloads.

Though the intentions of the governor’s press conference was worthwhile, Hogan should simply start issuing formal press releases. Since it’s doubtful the administration will reverse course, the least the Hogan team could do is give some specifics about what the press conference will entail ahead of time. In advance of Tuesday’s press conference, Hogan said on his Facebook page, “I will hold a press conference to provide updates on our response to the new surge of COVID-19.”

Some more details about his intentions would severely help reduce the anxiety of his constituents. These continued vague announcements followed by less than riveting content have become unfair and irresponsible.

Ahead of the governor’s weekly press conference, most questions I hear are two-fold – will he shut down restaurants and retail stores and will he mandate all schools – public or private -- go virtual.

On the school front, Hogan has said publicly he’s intent on letting the public school officials make their own decisions. However, it’s not the reality because the state health department issues strong guidance saying schools should be virtual when the seven-day average positivity rate exceeds 5% and the average case per 100,000 is above 15. As of right now, most local school districts, including Worcester, plan to reopen Jan. 4 for some type of in-person instruction. The messaging has been clear the health metrics must improve, however, for that to happen. Individual school officials have been reaching out to the next first wave of students with messages of hope of returning after the new year, but they admit to taking it day-by-day. It seems clear to me an ultimate decision will come the weekend before the planned reopening date.

One approach I oppose vehemently is a take from The Baltimore Sun, which opined “Maryland should stick with virtual learning.” The editorial supported the teacher’s union position to require all public schools to remain virtual through the end of the first semester (late January). The editorial read, “Superintendent Salmon has often been reluctant to impose her will on local school systems but this is not the time for hesitancy or irresolution. Nor has any portion of the state been spared by the pandemic. This is not just a Central Maryland problem, nor a rural problem, not just felt by Democrats or Republicans, it’s a problem everywhere. Some parents won’t like the loss of any form of in-person instruction. Some critics will no doubt perceive it as unnecessary, others as a sop to a powerful union. To those, we would ask only that they consult their local teachers and they’ll soon discover just how destructive this back-and-forth, off-and-on has been to education’s front line personnel. ... Certainty and calm. That’s what Superintendent Salmon can provide educators with a statewide mandate. Teachers and students will be forced to soldier on in this less-than-ideal format resulting, in many cases, a less-than-normal education. But there aren’t any options on the table where a normal education is possible. That’s what happens when you are dealing with a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad circumstance.”

A statewide mandate to go virtual is not appropriate. Nobody wins with virtual learning and a statewide lockdown of schools when each county’s health metrics vary tremendously is not the right course. Despite the best intentions of hard-working teachers, kids are falling behind with virtual learning. Major efforts must be made to get kids back in school in at least a hybrid fashion. There will be risk and cases will occur (as they are now), but they are far outweighed by the tremendous shortcomings of at-home learning as well as the massive social impacts on these youngsters.

Furthmore, the CDC’s opinion on schools and transmission should matter to these decision makers.

Like many, I look at the daily updates of the key metrics at corodnavirus.maryland.gov. I firmly believe perspective is needed when looking at these figures. There is no reason for hysteria.

For Worcester County, the positivity rate average for the last nine days is 5.10% (reaching a low of 3.69 on Thanksgiving and 6.99% on Dec. 2).

The cases per 100,000 average is 14.5 (with the high of 20.5 on Dec. 2 and the low of 10.93 on Nov. 27). There is a clear trend up for both numbers since last week, but as has been the case throughout the pandemic, it’s clear the situation in Worcester County is a lot less dire than in many areas of the state. Area hospitals confirmed as much this week.

Volunteerism is hurting, but it’s quite sad when elected officials’ kids must be called on to fill appointed board vacancies. In Berlin this fall, Councilman Troy Purnell’s son, Austin, was tapped by the then-mayor for the town’s planning commission. In a similar but different situation, County Commissioner Bud Church this week appointed his son, Ken, to the county’s planning commission. Church had last month appointed another individual, who had to decline the nomination unexpectedly. It’s a good thing community service runs in these families, but it’s disappointing this talented community does not have more folks wishing to join in.

Page 40

Getting the word out about their community outreach programs during Berlin’s Ice, Ice Art Stroll were Debbie Smullen and Cody Ottey of Worcester Goes Purple.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

People

By Jeanette Deskiewicz

FEATURING THOSE HELPING CAUSES IN THE RESORT AREA

Santa and Elf Casey spread holiday merriment to children young and old at Berlin’s Ice, Ice Art Stroll and Holiday Shop last Friday evening.

In Society

December 4, 2020

Catching up at the Salisbury Park & Flea were Barry Whittington and Eve White, with a variety of household goods and bikes for sale.

At last Friday’s Ice, Ice Art Stroll, Berlin’s Finest Snr. Ofc. Chris Bireley and Lt. JD Lawson kept shoppers and strollers moving around safely.

Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services Executive Director Jennifer Leggour and CASA Volunteer Coordinator Bonnie Northeimer handed out goodie bags during Berlin’s Ice, Ice Art Stroll.

Hailing from Captain’s Cove, Va., Dale and Dallas Spilker will have their hand turned game calls available at the Ocean Pines Farmer’s Market every Saturday.

Bringing the art of Africa to Worcester County are Ocean Pines residents Tom Wilson and Patrice Zmitrovis with Africa Vision at the Saturday Farmer’s Market.

Celebrating the fruits of their first harvest at the Ocean Pines Farmer’s Market, are Tom and Diane Reinke, of Reinke Lavender Farms in Dagsboro, Del.

Salisbury Park & Flea promoters Jamie Heater and Michael Day remind everyone the market is open year-round with only a $5 set up fee in the winter.

Teonna Brittingham joined her Pop-Pop Elroy Brittingham selling sports memorabilia at the Salisbury Park & Flea.

Best Beats

December 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

on the beach

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS The Globe Gastro Theatre: Saturday, Dec. 5 Seacrets : Thursday, Dec. 10

DUNEHOUNDS Pickles Pub: Saturday, Dec. 5

OTTO GRUNDMAN Downy Oshun: Every Thursday

KERRI ANTHONY Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, Dec. 9

LAUREN GLICK DUO Downy Oshun: Saturday, Dec. 5

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Friday & Saturday, Dec. 4 & 5

TRIVIA W/ BIGLER The Globe Gastro Theatre: Monday, Dec. 7

Page 41

Page 42

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Puzzle Answers

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The Adventures Of Fatherhood

By STEVE GREEN

ne of the things I enjoy about being a newspaper editor is each day is different. The same can be said for parenting.

That’s what I was thinking Wednesday night when Carson, 11, came into our room. He was standing at our door with his pointer finger beckoning me. He made it clear he wanted me to follow him back to his room at 3:16 a.m. He could not find his favorite pillow, which I located in five seconds right next to his bed.

When I found it, he giggled and shrugged his shoulders. In his nonverbal way, he was saying something along the lines of I forgot to check that side of the bed. I mumbled something, and he went back to bed giggling, which I can’t say was the case for me.

I was thinking similar thoughts about each parenting day being unique when Beckett, 12, came downstairs incredulous I had not read an email he sent me a few minutes earlier. He was asking me if it was okay if he went outside skateboarding on Sunday afternoon. He said, “What aren’t you responding?” He quickly explained he had emailed me. I told him I was watching football and not checking my emails every minute. He then argued with me about how he had texted me and not emailed me. He had emailed me from upstairs rather than come downstairs and talked to me about it, but the argument was not worth it. I was quick to encourage him to go outside. A few minutes later, he couldn’t find his shoes and helmet and wanted help.

I was also reflecting on how interesting each day as a parent is when I discovered Beckett helped a friend’s parents hang Christmas lights recently. I don’t recall any offers of assistance from my kid over the last few weekends when his mom and I were

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decorating around our house and yard. I do remember one quick chat when Beckett poked his head out the door and found me standing on the roof putting up lights. He asked me if I had seen his iPad and remarked how hot it was up there. He advised I should put on shorts. Before I could ask him to hand me a new string of lights, he was back inside and had even abducted my phone, which was playing a podcast I was listening to at the time.

When I asked why he lent a hand to his friend’s dad but not me, he said he helped so his buddy could play.

The sooner he was done his chores his friend would be allowed to hang out. I am playing that card in early January when it comes time to put away all the Christmas decorations.

T

here has not been a lot of talk about Santa Claus from our 12-year-old of late.

I’m confident I know why.

He knows the truth, but is fine with not going into a lot of detail about it. I think he knows a good thing and doesn’t need to call it out. When he does want to talk about it, I plan to revisit something I came across online years ago. I wish I knew the source of it, but I screenshot it six years ago on my phone to retain for years later.

I assume the awkward conversation will arise at some point this month. It’s fine and I understand it’s probably time to move on. I like the spirit behind this passage because it might stick with Beckett like it did with me when I read it years ago. I wanted to share it with others as it might be helpful.

Son: Dad, I think I’m old enough to know now – is there a Santa Claus?

Dad: (Stalling to figure out an answer) Okay, I agree that you’re old

enough. But before I tell you, I have a question for you. The truth is a dangerous gift. Once you know something, you can’t unknow it. Are you sure that you want to know?

Son: (After a brief pause) Yes, I want to know.

Dad: Okay, I’ll tell you. Yes there IS a Santa Claus.

Son: Really?

Dad: Yes, really but he’s not an old man with a beard and red suit.

That’s just what we tell kids. You see, kids are too young to understand the truth about Santa Claus until they are as old as you are. The truth is Santa Claus isn’t a person, it is an idea.

Think of all of the presents Santa gave you over the years. I actually bought those myself. I watched you open them. And did it bother me that you didn’t thank me? Of course not. In fact, it gave me the greatest joy. You see, Santa Claus is the idea of giving for the sake of giving, without thinking of thanks or acknowledgement. When I saw that woman collapse in the grocery store last week and call for help, I knew that she’d never know that it was me who called the ambulance.

I was being Santa Claus when I did that.

Son: Oh! Dad: So now that you know, you are part of it. You have to be Santa Claus also. It means that you can never tell a young child the secret and you can help us select Santa presents for your younger siblings. Most importantly you have to look for opportunities to help people all year, not just at Christmas. Got it?

Son: Yeah, I think so. Thanks, Dad. (The writer is the publisher and editor of The Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com.)

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The Dispatch Classifieds

December 04, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

$15/Week For Minimum Of Five Lines • $2 Thereafter Per Line Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch (Contract Discounts Available)

HELP WANTED BOOKKEEPER NEEDED: Must be proficient in QuickBooks. Flexible hours. Call 443-614-0234.

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toW tRUCK DRiVeRs

Now Hiring for full and part time, experienced tow truck operators for the Ocean Pines/ Ocean City area.

excellent Pay Plan!!

Call 302-228-2353

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Now hiring for full and part time, sales assoCiates for busy automotive store. Excellent pay and benefits.

Currently hiring manpower for

•stUCCo & eiFs meChaniCs •CaRPenteRs •ConCRete BloCK •Coatings sPeCialists •Flat ConCRete •ConCRete RePaiRs •Pt WelDeR •CommeRCial CaUlKing •WinDoW & DooR installeRs •WaRehoUse helP (DRiVeR’s liCense ReQ’D) Experience Preferred. Tools, transportation & a valid driver’s license are a plus. Competitive benefit package available.

Please apply in person at 11935 Hammer Rd, Bishopville, MD, or apply online: http://allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

Call 302-539-8686 ext. 3014

NOW HIRING!

We are hiring for our Ocean City, MD office.

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Text to Apply: Ocadmin www.arksysinc.com or call 410.995.1220 ask for HR

aUtomotiVe gReat-gReat-gReat oPPoRtUnities!

Busy auto service & tire center, est. in 1984 with locations in Ocean Pines, Bethany Beach, and Long Neck, is now accepting applications for: - maRylanD state insPeCtoR -teChniCians - lUBe teChs Must have valid drivers license. ase’s a hUge PlUs, but not required.

EXCELLENT PAY & BENEFITS! Call 302-344-9846

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Please Fax Resume To 410-208-3633 or Email atlanticptrehab@aol.com

Rentals YEAR-ROUND DOWNTOWN OC: Newly updated 2BD/1BA 2nd floor apt. $800/mo plus Elec. No smoking/pets. For Income and Ref. Application text: First, Middle and Last. Name to 303-819-3545.

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WEEKLY RENTALS Poolfront Room $215.

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CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811

Deadline For Insertions, Cancellations And Payment Is 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Pre-Payment Is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard.

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS NEEDED: Laborers & Skilled Persons. On job training. Starting wage $16.00/hour. Call 302-4367533 for information.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– PART TIME RETAIL: Looking for hard-working, responsible, reliable, personable help, who loves pets. Call 443-235-3196 for interview.

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Page 43

24 SPEED CANNONDALE BICYCLE: Mint condition. Bicycle attached air pump. Auxiliary pump.

Headlight. Tailight. Carry bag.

Deluxe lock and helmet. $900 OBO. 302-381-3672, leave msg.

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•YARD MAINTENANCE •PAINTING •POWER WASHING 410-251-3425 410-202-2545

Real estate FOR SALE BY OWNER: 2BR condo, 12 69th St., 1st floor, one BUILDING off beach. The Wight Clipper. Asking $190,000, negotiable, make offer. 410-467-1362.

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CommeRCial WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 1 OfficeRetail and 1 Warehouses. Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– UPSCALE MIDTOWN OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT: 2,130 sq.ft.

No CAM fees. 443-880-2225.

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Print & Online

The Dispatch

Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

THIRD INSERTION MICHAEL B MATHERS ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18445 To all persons interested in the estate of WINIFRED JOSEPHINE RILEY, ESTATE NO. 18445. Notice is given that DANIEL E. RILEY, 8816 EVANS ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on, SEPTEMBER 28, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WINIFRED JOSEPHINE RILEY, who died on JUNE 05, 2020, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28TH day of MARCH, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication NOVEMBER 20, 2020 DANIEL E. RILEY Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 11-20, 11-27, 12-04

THIRD INSERTION

J. HARRISON PHILLIPS III, ESQ. 115-72ND STREET OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18459 To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM HOWARD FORMWALT, ESTATE NO. 18459. Notice is given that JOHN WILLIAM FORMWALT, 153 NAUTICAL LANE, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 was on, NOVEMBER 17, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLIAM HOWARD FORMWALT, who died on AUGUST 27, 2020, with a will.

The Dispatch

Page 44

Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 17TH day of MAY, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication NOVEMBER 20, 2020 JOHN WILLIAM FORMWALT Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 11-20, 11-27, 12-04

FIRST INSERTION

VICTOR H LAWS ESQ LAWS, INSLEY & BENSON, P.A. 209 E. MAIN STREET P.O. BOX 75 SALISBURY, MD 21803-0075 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18508 To all persons interested in the estate of M. WAYNE HOLLAND, ESTATE NO. 18508.

Notice is given that JUDITH M. HOLLAND, 4001 WHITESBURG ROAD, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 was on, NOVEMBER 30, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of M. WAYNE HOLLAND, who died on NOVEMBER 2, 2020, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 30TH day of MAY, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 04, 2020 JUDITH M. HOLLAND Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 12-04, 12-11, 12-18

FIRST INSERTION

MICHAEL B MATHERS ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18505 To all persons interested in the estate of CHARLES HERBERT SHELTON. Notice is given that 350 OCEAN PARKWAY, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on NOVEMBER 20, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: CHARLES HERBERT SHELTON, who died on MARCH 30, 2018 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 04, 2020 True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT

December 04, 2020

Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 12-04

FIRST INSERTION

LESLIE LOBOS, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-20-000291 VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES BORDERLINKS TIMESHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff v.

JOHN COUTURE, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN THE VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES, BORDERLINKS CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN PINES, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-20-000291, the undersigned Trustee, will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the Villas of Ocean Pines, located at, 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, Maryland, the following described property located in Ocean Pines, Worcester County, Maryland, on Monday, December 21, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., the following timeshare intervals: Time Condomimium Unit Interval Bh34 Bh34 Bh34 Bn40 Bn40 Bq43 Bq43 Bq43 Br44 Br44 Br44 Br44 Bx50 Bx50 Bx50

8 13 39 5 16 9 40 43 1 8 9 42 4 11 16

Each time interval being one week per year in the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Villas of Ocean Pines, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each

condominium unit and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees.

A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2020 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

For more information, call: Leslie Lobos, Esq., Trustee, at 240-449-8862.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 04, 2020 3x, 12-04, 12-11, 12-18

FIRST INSERTION

LESLIE LOBOS, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-20-000292 VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES BORDERLINKS TIMESHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff v.

DANNY WAYNE MEANS, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN THE VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES, BORDERLINKS CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN PINES, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the

Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-20-000292, the undersigned Trustee, will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the Villas of Ocean Pines, located at, 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, Maryland, the following described property located in Ocean Pines, Worcester County, Maryland, on Monday, December 21, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Time Unit Interval Ay25 Ay25 Ay25 Ay25 Ay25 Bb28 Bb28 Bb28 Bc29 Bc29 Bc29 Bf32 Bf32 Bg33 Bg33 Bg33 Bh34

44 45 47 50 52 18 36 47 14 46 50 5 20 3 49 50 7

Each time interval being one week per year in the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Villas of Ocean Pines, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium unit and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees.

A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2020 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

For more information, call:

The Dispatch

December 04, 2020

LEGAL RATES: Legal advertising rate is $7 per

column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or

Leslie Lobos, Esq., Trustee, at 240-449-8862.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 04, 2020 3x, 12-04, 12-11, 12-18

FIRST INSERTION

LESLIE LOBOS, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-20-000296 VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES BORDERLINKS TIMESHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff v.

LARRY ALLIO, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN THE VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES, BORDERLINKS CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN PINES, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-20-000296, the undersigned Trustee, will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the Villas of Ocean Pines, located at, 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, Maryland, the following described property located in Ocean Pines, Worcester County, Maryland, on Monday, December 21, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Time Unit Interval Bh34

38

Each time interval being one week per year in the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Villas of Ocean Pines, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land

Records of Worcester County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium unit and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees.

A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2020 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

For more information, call: Leslie Lobos, Esq., Trustee, at 240-449-8862.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 04, 2020 3x, 12-04, 12-11, 12-18

FIRST INSERTION

LESLIE LOBOS, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-20-000297 VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES BORDERLINKS TIMESHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD

Legal Notices The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff v.

JOHN C. DREXEL, ET AL. Defendants

cash or check. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2020 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fif-

the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in

TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN THE VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES, BORDERLINKS CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN PINES, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-20-000297, the undersigned Trustee, will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the Villas of Ocean Pines, located at, 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, Maryland, the following described property located in Ocean Pines, Worcester County, Maryland, on Monday, December 21, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Time Unit Interval Bx50 Bx50 Bx50 Bx50 Bx50 Bx50 By51 By51 By51 By51 By51

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees.

A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 04, 2020 3x, 12-04, 12-11, 12-18

The Adkins Company

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Each time interval being one week per year in the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Villas of Ocean Pines, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium unit and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

Page 45 teen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

For more information, call: Leslie Lobos, Esq., Trustee, at 240-449-8862.

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Page 46

Horoscopes

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): You might feel that you have all the answers right now. But it might be wise to listen to other ideas before you decide to close the lid on other possibilities.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Bovines give and expect loyalty, so it might not be easy to reconcile with someone you feel let you down. Why not ask a neutral party to set up a clear-the-air meeting?

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Anticipating the holidays with family and friends fuels your must-do Gemini energies. But try to pace yourself so you'll be up for whatever comes along later.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): More background information might come through regarding a decision you expect to make. Be sure to check the source carefully before you move.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): The strong, nurturing nature of the Lion comes through this week as you reach out to family and friends in need of your warm and loving support.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): A relationship that has almost totally unraveled could be close to being restored with more effort on your part to be more patient and less judgmental.

vanishing

OCEAN CITY

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Your sense of fair play is strong this week, which can cause a problem with a longtime relationship. But in the end, you'll know what decision to make.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): You might not know all the facts behind an unwelcome development, so keep that Scorpion temper in check and resist lashing out at anyone.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): This is a good time to reinforce relationships -- family, friends, colleagues -- that might have been overlooked in recent years.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Family situations continue to thrive. Business associations also improve. Some holiday plans might have to be shifted. Be flexible.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Avoid any influence of negative energy in this week's aspect by not allowing small problems to grow into large ones. Work them out immediately.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): A friend might need advice on how to deal with a challenge to his or her moral values. And who better than you to give the honest answer? Good luck.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a sense of adventure that inspires others to follow your lead. © 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

Things I Like ...

December 4, 2020

WITH BUNK MANN

Worcester County was fairly isolated in the years immediately after the Civil War. There was no permanent settlement on the barrier island where Ocean City exists today – just marsh, mosquitos and sand. One would have to get there by boat because there were no bridges either.

In 1868, a wealthy New York businessman named Stephen Taber, pictured, and his partner, DC hotel owner Hepburn Benson, purchased a tract of land on the barrier island that stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sinepuxent Bay for about a mile north and south of today’s North Division Street and included some islands on the bayside. This parcel of land became known as “The Lady’s Resort to the Ocean.”

Following Benson’s death, Taber would acquire sole ownership of what would within a few years become the Town of Ocean City. It is said that the purchase price was about 50 cents an acre – one of the greatest bargains in Worcester County’s history.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishPhoto courtesy Gordon Katz ingoc.com.

The Dispatch Crossword Puzzle

By Steve Green

Spotting a rainbow while driving People who lead by example

A black-and-white business card A well-organized garage

One-hour fog delays (not two)

Reading about the stock market each day How long a pot of chili lasts All the houses in Berlin decorated for the holidays

Warming up my wife’s car in the morning Court case documentaries

Acoustic versions of songs ANSWERS ON PAGE 42

December 4, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 47

Page 48

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 4, 2020